Protests in French St. Martin

Is anyone else concerned about the protests in St. Martin?

We will be there in 2 weeks and a cruiser on our roll call has received the following email from the US Embassy...

"United States Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Protests in French St. Martin

October 22, 2015

The U.S. Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has received reports of protests on French St. Martin and therefore alerts U.S. citizens to take caution if traveling in or to the island.

The U.S. Embassy has received reports that protesters in St. Martin have shut down all road access to the city of Marigot and to Grand Case Airport. Protesters have reportedly threatened violence if their demands are not met.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence without warning. Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations."

Is anyone hearing anything about this?

Certainly a concern for those planning on vacationing around Grand Case (where we rent a condo) or Marigot. But this has absolutely nothing to do with Antigua. On St Maarten/St Martin it seems that the protests only involve the French side of the island (cruise ships all dock on the Dutch side near Phillipsburg). One can surmise that the protests might prevent cruise ship passengers from visiting the French side of the island (which would include the very popular Orient Beach/Bay). The protests involve changes to a law (on the French side) which impacts land rights and ownership.

Hank

Interesting, thanks for noting this but probably ought to be on the St. Maarten board instead of the Antigua board.

We are cruising to St. Maarten in 3 weeks and it's good to know about potential issues like this. They'll be 7 cruise ships in port and we've been there a few times so we'll opt to stay on-board, except for maybe a short walk to the town nearby. Our decision really will have nothing to do with these protests which may die down by then.